Chelsea could be looking to undergo a transformation this summer. Earlier indications had suggested that they would only look to bring in two to three ready-made players. But now, there have been suggestions that as many as five starting-level players could be targeted, while there are big names who could head for the exit door.
The opening of the transfer window is still quite some time away. Officially, Alonso won’t start work until July 1. But it looks like the club have already agreed a signing for the summer.
It is one that has been coming for quite some time now though. Once again, the Blues have looked towards sister club Strasbourg, whose fans are not happy with Chelsea’s constant signing of their players and even their swoop for manager Liam Rosenior in January. Of course, we all know how that worked out.
Now, according to Ben Jacobs, Valentin Barco has confirmed that he is leaving Strasbourg this summer. The agreement is now in place with Chelsea. It is likely to be official at the end of the season, with the Blues currently focused on trying to get European football.
Barco looks set to be Chelsea’s first signing of the Alonso era
One has to wonder if the agreement has been in place, or close, for a while. But Chelsea have seen what kind of an impact that news had on Emmanuel Emegha’s time at Strasbourg. So, they might not wanted to do the same with Barco.
But it has been pretty much an open secret for a while that Barco is going to be joining Chelsea this summer. Now, it looks like only a matter of time before the Argentine is playing in Royal Blue.
Barco has been one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 this season. He has been nominated for the league’s Young Player of the Year. And at 21 years of age, he is only expected to get better.
Chelsea have been interested in Barco for years
Barco has been on the radar of Chelsea going back to his days at Boca Juniors. He did end up joining Brighton when he left Argentine but that move did not work out.
While BlueCo did sign him from Brighton, Barco moved to Strasbourg instead of joining Chelsea. In France, he has been able to transform himself, going from a left-back to a midfielder.
And what a midfielder he has become. He leads positional peers in Ligue 1 in big chances created and fouls won. He is also in the 90th percentile or higher for expected assists, chances created, successful passes and crosses, dribbles, duels won and touches.
That feels like a very good profile to have, at least on paper. And Alonso might love his versatility as well. The Spaniard is someone who likes to adjust his system according to the opposition. Barco is someone who could easily play in three or four different roles for him with ease. Do not be surprised if he ends up becoming one of the manager’s favourites next season.